More and More, Smartphone Apps are Being Designed With Equipment and Technology in Mind. Here are Some to Consider.

By Josephine Smith

It seems like there is an app for everything. From finding rest areas on the interstate to selecting a restaurant to checking into your flight, an app is making lives simpler. Now, aggregate producers are benefiting from this technology innovation. Manufacturers and software suppliers are producing apps that will make the producer’s job easier. Rock Products took a look at some of the latest mobile apps.

PowerscreeniPhone, iPad, Android and Blackberry owners can view mobile crushing, screening and washing equipment with the Powerscreen app. Developed by Paper Bag Ltd, the app allows users to view equipment and specifications, locate nearby dealerships, or browse through video galleries. “Today, people expect instant access to information and this innovative development from Powerscreen will help our customers get the information they need,” said Patrick Brian, global sales and marketing director. “With the launch of the Powerscreen app, our customers can view equipment information and specifications, locate the nearest dealer or simply browse photo and video galleries anywhere an internet connection is available, no matter if you are in a quarry or sitting in an office.” The apps are free via the Apple App Store, Blackberry’s App World and the Android Market.

CaterpillarThe CATUsed app for iPhone and iPad devices is Caterpillar’s official online source for the company’s used equipment from its world dealer market. App users can browse a list of machines, view the details and photos of any unit, and place a call directly to the Cat dealer or send them an email pertaining to the machinery for sale. The app has thousands of units for immediate purchase for all industries Caterpillar supports including quarries, construction and mining. Updated in February, version 2.1 allows the user to search all CatUsed.com equipment. Additionally, search results can be filtered to identify Cat Certified Used equipment. The CATUsed app is free, and is powered by Resale Weekly.

VolvoThe official application for Volvo Rents Construction Equipment, VolvoRents is designed for people who want construction equipment and solutions. Features include hard-coded equipment specifications for all Volvo Construction Equipment rental products, including excavators and wheel loaders. The app also has PDFs of equipment brochures for detailed information about each model and their associated attachments (these can be emailed directly from the app). There are also downloadable brochures for Volvo Rents approved partners, including Genie and JLG. Users can find the nearest five Volvo Rents stores based on their current location using GPS functionality. The app provides store information and directions, as well as a list of all Volvo Rents locations across North America. Other features of VolvoRents is an integrated RSS Feed of current news from the construction equipment industry, direct links to Volvo Construction Equipment websites, customer portal, franchisee login, and a competitive comparison tool. The VolvoRents app is available for free through the Apple App Store.

SandvikSandvik Mining and Construction released a smartphone app for Android and iPhone users at ConExpo-Con/Agg 2011. The app is also compatible with the iPad and iPod Touch devices. The focus of the app is to provide users with information and news about the company. In the current version, users can learn more about the full product offering from Sandvik Mining and Construction, locate the nearest Sandvik office and see the latest news. According to Johan Dotzauer, Sandvik’s global marketing and sales support manager, the app was developed because one size did not fit all. “To equally service all our clients we have to be able to listen to and serve their individual needs,” he said. “Our smartphone app makes it possible, both for us and our clients, to interact even more efficiently – which will make a significant difference down the line.”

Luber-finerThe Luber-finer Quick Lookup app for Android devices is designed to provide installers and other Luber-finer partners with one-click access to filter product search, cross-reference information to help speed filter change productivity and operators turn bays quicker. Additionally, users are able to easily lookup the nearest Luber-finer distributor or reseller (data driven by ShowMeTheParts.com). The app covers all Luber-finer filters and allows users to search by make, model and year with up-to-date specifications and data for all filter applications. It can be downloaded for free from the Luber-finer website or from the Android Market. Furthermore, Luber-finer has a new mobile website available for iPhone and Blackberry (OS6 and above) devices that provides similar features as the original Android app, such as part search and cross reference.

SafetyNetThe SafetyNet app from Predictive Solutions allows customers to predict, and ultimately prevent, workplace injuries, according to the company. Users can install the app on their iPhone, iPad, iPod touch or Blackberry devices, and collect their workplace safety observations with the tap of a button. First, the app allows customers to conduct inspections and collect workplace safety observations from their jobsites. Next, the app syncs these observations with the SafetyNet web application where advanced and predictive analytics are performed on the data. By removing the manual data entry steps that come with paper-based observations, companies get inspection results faster, allowing teams to be more productive. Key features include configuring to match the user’s safety observation program, such as checklists, worksite locations and other relevant information; adding detailed information during inspections; marking items for follow up and assigning actions, responsibility and due dates; and data and feedback in real time. An Android version of the app is planned for release early this year.

TensarTensar’s SpectraPave4 (SP4) mobile application allows users in the field to quickly and accurately determine aggregate savings with the use of TriAx Geogrid (TX140/TX160) for subgrade stabilization projects. The mobile application is a component of the TensarConnect platform, a new digital channel that enables contractors and engineering professionals to connect with Tensar, its products, and its sales and support teams on demand. SP4 is the first mobile solution released through the TensarConnect. The output includes a breakdown of aggregate savings, undercut savings and overall project cost savings. The app and platform can be accessed on any java-enabled smartphone device including iPhone, Blackberry and Android. Users can also access and use the mobile platform on their tablet, PC, laptop or desktop computer. To obtain the Tensar SP4 app, visit www.tensarconnect.com.

Rockwell AutomationManufacturers are able to use Rockwell Automation’s fan and pump energy saving calculator tools to calculate potential savings derived from variable frequency drives to power pumps and fans. The mobile apps can be downloaded for free on iPad, iPhone, Blackberry or Android devices. Rising energy costs have become increasingly important, and with electric motors as the driving force behind most production output, improved motor control performance and motor efficiency means greater overall production efficiency. With the fan energy savings calculator and the pump energy savings calculator apps, users can compare conventional flow control methods with PowerFlex drives and show the differential power consumption of each.

Emerson Industrial AutomationThe Browning V-Belt Efficiency Calculator app from Emerson Industrial Automation allows users to calculate projected energy savings when upgrading from a wrapped V-Belt to a notched V-Belt. By entering key usage data points including geographic location, motor horsepower and days/hours per week, users have the ability to calculate energy savings on-site using an iPhone, Blackberry or Droid application. The V-Belt Efficiency Calculator app also has a payback calculation feature that gives users the ability to estimate the amount of their return on investment or days to payback.

GraniterockThis app of construction calculators helps users calculate the amount of material needed for their construction project. The tool, Graniterock Construction Calculator, is part of Graniterock’s effort to make calculating and ordering just the correct amount of a wide range of construction materials easy on the job, at the desk, or anywhere.The calculators are grouped into the following categories: Unit Conversion, Concrete Materials, Road Materials, Masonry Estimator, and Mulch. The free app is available for iPhone, iPod touch and iPad devices, and can be downloaded from Apple’s AppStore. It will soon be available for Android devices as well.

Trelleborg Sealing SolutionsThe O-Ring Calculator app from Trelleborg Sealing Solutions calculates O-Ring dimensions and tolerances, and recommends sizes and Trelleborg part numbers. This is the third app the company has launched. The two other apps are ISO Fits & Tolerances and Unit and Hardness Converter. All three apps can be downloaded for free from the Apple AppStore, and are available in English or German. The O-Ring Calculator features include search selection of O-Ring nominal sizes according to ISO 3601, JIS B 2401 (Japan) and SMS 1586 (Sweden) standards; ability to switch between metric measurements and inches; and calculation of O-Ring tolerances according to ISO 3601-1 Class B. Additionally, users can enter the bore or rod/shaft diameter and receive an O-Ring recommendation and O-Ring housing calculation according to the recommendations of ISO 3601. Trelleborg Sealing Solutions films can also be searched using the app.

Mack Trucks Inc.The Mack Trucks Dealer Locator is the easiest way to find the nearest Mack Trucks dealer. The user can find the closest dealer based upon their current location using an easy-to-use map or by searching an alphabetical list by state or province. With the Mack Locator app, users can easily see a dealer’s contact information, address, email address, website, and services offered. The map has real-time location tracking, three view modes, and a zoom in/out feature. The app is available for free for Android, Blackberry and iPhone devices.

Michelin Truck Tires LocatorUsers who download this app can find the nearest Michelin truck tire or service provider. The app can be used to search for a provider by category, including emergency roadside service, travel plazas, on-site tire service or MRT Retread providers. It can also be used to call Michelin ONCall directly. Furthermore, the app finds the nearest service provider based on the user’s GPS location, or another location that they enter. Users can call the service provider, obtain driving directions, or store the provider’s information in their device’s contacts or address book. It is available for free for Android, Blackberry or iPhone devices. The iPhone app is designed to also work on iPod Touch devices, with similar functionality when connected to Wi-Fi, but without the GPS-based services.

ConExpo-Con/AggFor the 2011 show, a first-of-its-kind interactive mobile app was introduced that featured real time show alerts from trade show organizers, and Interactive floor maps. Referred to as “Follow Me,” the application allowed attendees to organize and schedule show information on the fly or download it to their phone. It also allowed attendees to navigated using interactive trade show floor maps, and download exhibitor marketing material and brochures to their mobile device. Look for an updated version of this app for the 2014 show. The app is available for free for iPhone/iPad devices and Android devices. For other smartphones, type www.conexpoconagg.com/m in the phone’s browser.

World of ConcreteSince 1975, World of Concrete has been the industry’s only annual international event dedicated to the commercial concrete and masonry construction industries. Featuring indoor and outdoor exhibits, leading suppliers showcasing innovative products and technologies, exciting demonstrations and competitions, a world-class education program, and the information you need to help sustain and grow your business. World of Concrete, in partnership with Maryland-based Core-Apps, just released a new mobile app available for iPhone, Android and Blackberry. The new offering gives attendees and exhibitors access to a fully integrated trade show solution that streamlines real-time information including alerts, interactive floor plan and networking tools. The World of Concrete App provides easy-to-use interactive capabilities:

Dashboard with real-time info.

Interactive floor map.

Alerts from the show organizer.

Networking tools to stay connected to colleagues and friends.

Twitter and Facebook integration.

iPhone (plus, iPod Touch & iPad) and Android users: visit your App Store or Android Market on your phone and search for WOC 2012. Blackberry and all other web browser-enabled phone users: point your mobile browser to http://m.core-apps.com/woc2012 to be directed to download the proper version of the app for your particular device.